Trip Reports
Duration
7 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from Croatia
Ports
6 Ports
6-7 June
Setting sail from Dubrovnik
We never fail to be moved when we see the terracotta roofs and honey-golden walls of Dubrovnik, and a stroll around the perfectly preserved old town is a highlight of any visit to the Dalmatian coast. Formerly known as Ragusa, Dubrovnik is a city with a rich, and occasionally troubled, history; the shelling of the city was one of the most shocking images of the Balkan wars of the 1990s, which makes the painstaking restoration of the old town in the years since all the more remarkable. Make sure you take the time to walk around the walls and soak up the views across the rooftops towards Lokrum island, and the deep sapphire of the Adriatic Sea beyond.
Our tip
Walking the entire length of the walls involves a lot of steps, and it can be quite exhausting in the hot Croatian sun. If you’d rather just see a smaller section, the Minčeta tower provides the best photo opportunities.
8-9 June
Croatia: Split
Croatia’s second city enjoys a dramatic setting, hugging a sweeping bay against a backdrop of sheer grey mountains. Split's labyrinthine old town is contained within the remarkable Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spills out onto the buzzing seafront Riva promenade.
9 June
Croatia: Zadar
Located on the quieter northern stretch of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, the walled port city of Zadar is an intriguing blend of old and new, where Roman ruins and psychedelic modern art installations sit alongside one another.
10 June
Croatia: Opatija
Opatija was the favourite seaside resort of the Austro-Hungarian elite during the 19th century, a legacy that lives on in the town's handsome belle époque villas. Take a stroll along the promenade, enjoy a swim in a protected bay or visit the Volosko neighbourhood, home to some excellent seafood restaurants.
11 June
Slovenia: Piran
Pretty little Piran grew rich thanks to the salt trade, and thrived under both the Venetian Republic and the Austro-Hungarian empire. The well-preserved old town is the highlight of Slovenia’s short stretch of coastline, set on a small peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic.
12-13 June
Arriving in Venice
Venice is a city like no other, a marble maze of turquoise canals criss-crossed by beautiful bridges, overflowing with palaces, churches and charming little piazzas. No matter how many times you've seen it in photographs, that first glimpse of the Grand Canal will simply take your breath away; it hardly seems credible that such an eye-popping scene could exist outside of a Canaletto painting. Of course Venice is a city that draws big crowds, especially in summer, but don't let this put you off; even the busiest areas are never more than a few steps from a quiet courtyard or a secluded square.
Don't miss
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection houses an eclectic assortment of works from the likes of Picasso, Magritte and Jackson Pollock. There is also a lovely garden facing on to the Grand Canal, with a rather rude sculpture of a rider on horseback.
Your home from home
The third innovative luxury yacht from Emerald Cruises, Emerald Kaia represents an exciting evolution in intimate small-ship cruising, setting sail in 2026.
What we love
Following the success of sister ships Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises unveils a brand-new luxury yacht due to set sail in 2026, Emerald Kaia. This new yacht will feature enhanced spaces on board including an Observation Sun Deck at the bow, and a reimagined Sky Deck area, perfect for soaking in the views, and will operate itineraries in the Mediterranean and Seychelles.
| capacity | 128 guests |
|---|---|
| crew | 92 staff |
| style | Intimate, luxury cruising akin to sailing on your own private yacht, with enhanced outside spaces perfect for warmer climes. |
| inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Our favourite hotel in Dubrovnik
We love the intimate Villa Orsula, with just eight lovely bedrooms and excellent sea views, but if you want to stay in the Old Town itself, the Pucic Palace is the one to go for.
Day trips from Dubrovnik
Make the short trip across the border into Bosnia-Herzegovina and visit the pretty little town of Mostar, with its famous stone bridge over the river Neretva.
Our favourite hotel in Venice
The Metropole is an old favourite for its quieter location and lovely lagoon views.
See more of the Veneto
If you’ve time, take the train to Padova and visit the Scrovegni Chapel.
